Substituting an exercise can solve an equipment problem, but only if you understand the purpose of the original movement. Swapping randomly because something looks similar may change the session more than you intended. Keep a few familiar alternatives available and know why they belong. A useful substitution preserves the broad aim while respecting the equipment and skills you have.
Choose a movement you can set up and perform comfortably. Do not use a crowded gym as the moment to attempt a complicated new technique. Ask qualified staff for help if the alternative uses unfamiliar equipment. A manageable load and controlled execution matter more than matching the number from the exercise you originally planned to do.
Record the substitution by its own name. Include relevant settings and the reason for the change if it will help later. Comparing two different movements as though they were the same test can make progress look larger or smaller than it is. Clear labels allow flexibility without turning the training record into a mixture of unrelated measurements.
After the session, decide whether the alternative should remain a backup or become a considered part of the routine. Its availability, setup time, and fit with your goals are all relevant. A change earns its place by solving a real problem. It does not need to be declared better for everyone simply because it worked well on one particular day.